Question

In the polymerization of DNA, a phosphodiester bond is formed between a phosphate group of the nucleotide being added and which of the following atoms or molecules of the last nucleotide in the polymer? a) the 5' phosphate b) the 3' OH c)C6 d) a nitrogen from the nitrogen-containing base.

Answer 1

Answer: B

Explanation:

During polymerization of nucleotides to form nucleic acids, the hydroxyl group on the phosphate group attaches to the 3’ carbon of a sugar of one nucleotide to form an ester bond to the phosphate of another nucleotide. The reaction forms a phosphodiester linkage and eliminates a water molecule.

The DNA strands generally runs from 5 prime to 3 prime direction.